A fire broke out early Wednesday in a nursery for newborns at a major government hospital in Pakistan’s capital, resulting in the tragic death of 14 infants, as confirmed by hospital authorities and government sources. The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad was home to 15 newborns in the nursery when the fire started around 6:45 a.m. local time due to an explosion of an air-conditioning unit compressor on the third floor, according to hospital and rescue officials.
The blaze was contained within the nursery located in the gynecology ward, with the rest of the hospital unaffected and no additional injuries reported. Visuals from television coverage depicted rescue workers utilizing ladders to access the area through shattered windows.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal verified the loss of at least 14 children in the incident. Dr. Aneeza Jalil, a hospital spokesperson, mentioned that one baby was successfully rescued, and the bodies of six infants have been returned to their families, with the others to follow shortly.
The tragic deaths of the infants triggered profound shock and sorrow nationwide, leading to a gathering of grieving parents and relatives at the hospital, some in tears while others sought answers and accountability regarding the cause of the fire and the adequacy of firefighting equipment in the nursery.
Following the prompt response of firefighters in extinguishing the blaze, and the initiation of cooling operations by rescue teams at the site, the Islamabad Chief Commissioner Suhail Ashraf confirmed the fire was under control. Subsequently, the Islamabad district magistrate established a multiagency fact-finding committee tasked with investigating the fire’s origin, evaluating fire-safety measures, and assessing the emergency response, with a report to be submitted within 24 hours.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, emphasizing the irreparable loss of young lives. President Asif Ali Zardari extended condolences to the affected families, labeling the deaths as heartbreaking and calling for accountability under the law for those responsible. Zardari also urged hospitals to enhance fire-safety protocols and emergency procedures, particularly in wards caring for newborns.
The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, a prominent public hospital in Islamabad, was recently in the spotlight for conducting a medical examination of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently in custody.